2 Bodies Open Unity Parley in Palestine

May 9, 1935

Jerusalem (May. 8)

The Palestine government took a hand today in the negotiations between the Agudath Israel, the extreme Orthodox Jewish organization, and the Vaad Leumi, the Jewish National Council of Palestine, by having the initial meeting of representatives of these two bodies held in the government offices.

Sir Arthur Wauchope, High Commissioner of Palestine, who was to be present to help lay the basis for cooperation between the two groups, sent a letter expressing regret at his inability to attend the conference, having been called suddenly to Syria.

“I hope that an agreement for cooperation will be reached,” Sir Arthur wrote.

At today’s first conference, the Agudah requested religious autonomy, agreeing to recognize the authority of the Vaad Leumi in all other matters. The representatives of the Vaad Leumi demanded that before any concrete negotiations are started, the Agudah guarantee its adherence to the Knesseth Israel, the joint representative of the Jewish communities in Palestine.